MLB: Marlins, fans pay tribute to Jose Fernandez on eve of funeral

MIAMI— Somber Miami Marlins players and personnel escorted a hearse carrying the body of star pitcher Jose Fernandez from the team’s ballpark Wednesday, as the farewell for their beloved teammate marched on.

As players and fans honoured Fernandez’s memory, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio sought a safety probe into the rock jetty where a boat crash claimed the lives of the star and two friends.

Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, manager Don Mattingly, hitting coach Barry Bonds and the players including Marcel Ozuna and Giancarlo Stanton wore white T-shirts emblazoned with Fernandez’s image and the letters “RIP” as they slowly walked the hearse away from Marlins Park in Miami’s Little Havana neighbourhood. Many in the crowd of about 1,000 chanted “Jose! Jose!” and some waved Cuban flags in honour of the popular Cuban-American player.

Jose Portuondo, 55, came to the event with his dog, Sophie. He said Fernandez, 24, was a shining example for Cubans who often risk their lives at sea to come to the U.S. seeking freedom. Fernandez defected from the communist island at 15.

“His is the story of many in south Florida. He brings it home,” said Portuondo. “Being here, the sadness is just thick in the air.”

Fans streamed into St. Brendan’s Catholic Church later Wednesday for a public viewing, which was scheduled to last into the night. Many said they felt compelled to come because he was a hero to many in the Cuban-American community.

Inside the church, mourners filed past a closed casket framed by flower arrangements in the shapes of the U.S. and Cuban flags, with a large family photo of Fernandez off to one side. A private funeral mass is set Thursday for the Fernandez family and Marlins players and personnel.